Fall from heights accounts for second highest spinal injuries

New Delhi: After road accidents, fall from heights accounts for maximum number of spinal cord injuries and disabilities in the country, a study by the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) said here Thursday.

The study collating the response of nearly 1,138 patients at the ISIC from both rural and urban areas over the last decade proves that "falls from balconies, roofs, and electric poles account for the largest number of spinal injuries and disabilities in the country".

H.S. Chhabra, chief of ISIC, said: "We must ensure that people working on electric poles are given adequate protection. The results of the study will help us develop better prevention and treatment methods in India".

While road accidents account for 45 percent of the injuries, falls from heights are responsible for over 39.63 percent spinal cord injuries, according to the study.
"A recent telephonic survey with the patients sustaining injuries as a result of fall from position of heights revealed that fall from roof and balcony caused 38.67 percent spinal injuries, while fall from electric pole caused 15.33 percent accidents," a statement from the ISIC said.